Schools & Groups

Both indoor and outdoor programs are available at the Center throughout the year. You can also choose to have us bring a program to your school or group’s facility. All programs can be altered to meet the needs of any age group, group size, time frame, or budget.

Marine Science and Coastal Programs for Schools and Groups

The Seacoast Science Center is the ideal setting for your environmental education field trip. Located in Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire, there are seven different natural habitats and 135 acres to explore. Live animal and interpretive exhibits inside the Center reinforce learning.

Program options include:

On-site Outdoor Programs

On-site Indoor Programs

Outreach Programs

Virtual Field Trip Programs

All SSC on-site programs include:

Up to 25 students per group (cost indicated is per group cost)

Trained instructor/s to lead and teach the program

Admission to the Seacoast Science Center and Odiorne Point State Park for all students plus 1 teacher/chaperone per 8 students

Use of Park facilities, which include nature trails, historic WWII fortifications, seven different natural habitats, scenic picnic areas, fields, and a playground.

Your invoice is the formal confirmation that your program is scheduled. When you receive your invoice please be sure all dates and times are correct. Allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

Please read all confirmation materials and communicate the information to teachers and chaperones.

Full payment is required before your program begins.

Cancellation Policy: Programs are taught rain or shine; consult the materials sent to you for appropriate clothing. If SSC cancels a program and is unable to reschedule, you will be fully refunded. If you cancel a program 20 business days prior to your program date, you will receive a 50% refund. “No shows” and cancellations made fewer than 20 business days prior will not receive a refund.

THIS COPY IS HIDDENFinancial Assistance: Assistance may be available for groups with financial constraints. Please call 603-436-8043, ext. 17 to inquire and request a School Program Fund application form.

Our Programs

For Early Learners and Elementary Students

Pre-K and Grades K-5

Rocky Shore Exploration

Outdoor Program
Length: 1 or 2 hoursPrice:1 hour: $175; 2 hours: $215

This introduction to the diverse and dynamic rocky shore habitat will excite and inspire your students. The program begins with a mini-lesson on the unique ecology of the rocky shore intertidal zones, followed by a naturalist-led tide pooling session. Students will learn how to best observe, identify, and classify organisms through guided exploration. Educators receive the Rocky Shore Exploration Teacher’s Guide to assist with field trip planning and classroom activities. The 2-hour program includes extended outdoor exploration and teaching time with your naturalist.

Rocky Shore Pre-trip Program

Virtual Field Trip
Length: 30 minutes
Price: $50

Get a jump on learning before your trip to Odiorne Point State Park and Seacoast Science Center. Our naturalist will connect, live, to your classroom and orient and excite students about their upcoming trip. Students will be introduced to the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and rocky shore habitat, and get a sneak peek at the Center’s exhibits, aquariums, and outdoor tide pools. You will also learn how to best prepare, including how to dress for exploring the tide pools and what to expect when you arrive. All you need is a camera, speakers and an internet connection.

A Whale of a Program

Indoor Program
Length: 1 hour
Price: $175

SSC has the largest collection of marine mammal skeletons in northern New England! In this program students will learn about the anatomy, migratory routes and behavioral patterns of marine mammals. Using real seal and dolphin bones, students will “reconstruct” skeletons and learn about the species’ form and function. Fantastic images and hands-on activities make this program unforgettable.

Save a Seal

Indoor Program
Length: 1 hour
Price:$175

Seals come on to the beach to rest and soak up the sun. Yet, what happens when a seal is in distress and in need of rescue? Students will learn all about the common species of the Gulf of Maine, find out how our Marine Mammal Rescue Team responds to seals on the beach, and perform a mock rescue. Student will earn a“seal of approval” after learning how to protect marine mammals.

Sharks Alive!

Indoor Program
Length: 1 hour
Price:$175

Sharks are one of Earth’s most amazing and dynamic fish. In this program, students will learn about shark anatomy, behavior, and their acute senses that make them one of the ocean’s greatest predators. Students will observe and touch live sharks at our Close Encounters touch tank.

Coastal Critters

Indoor Program
Length:1 hour
Price:$175

This indoor program focuses on the physical and behavioral adaptations of rocky shore plants and animals that enable them to live in a habitat with constantly changing tides, salinity, and temperature. After participating in a rocky shore ecology lesson, students have the opportunity to observe and hold live animals.

School of Hard Rocks

Indoor/Outdoor Program
Length: 45 min.
Price:$150

Odiorne is the ideal spot to make the study of geology come alive for your students. This program begins with a presentation that illustrates the rock formation cycle and tectonic plate movement. Students will learn how to identify rocks, then go outdoors to examine unique rock formations of Odiorne Point State Park, and see evidence of glacial activity.

Virtual Field Trips

Length: 1 hour
Price: $150

We can deliver programs right to your classroom no matter where you are located simply by connecting via computer! Learn all about the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and its fascinating inhabitants. All you need is a camera, speakers and an internet connection.

Programs include:

North American Lobster

Coastal Critters

Marine Careers

Custom Programs

All ages

Design a program to meet your specific needs.

Did not find what you were looking for? We will design a program to meet your specific needs using one of the programs listed in this brochure, or a topic of your choice. You can also choose three or four program topics for your students to experience on a rotating schedule during your visit. Come for the day or just for a few hours and experience all the Center and Park have to offer. The possibilities are endless!

For Middle School and High School Students

Grades 6-12

Rocky Shore Exploration

Outdoor Program
Length: 1 or 2 hoursPrice:1 hour: $175; 2 hours: $215

This introduction to the diverse and dynamic rocky shore habitat will excite and inspire your students. The program begins with a mini-lesson on the unique ecology of the rocky shore intertidal zones, followed by a naturalist-led tide pooling session. Students will learn how to best observe, identify, and classify organisms through guided exploration. Educators receive the Rocky Shore Exploration Teacher’s Guide to assist with field trip planning and classroom activities. The 2-hour program includes extended outdoor exploration and teaching time with your naturalist.

Rocky Shore Pre-trip Program

Virtual Field Trip
Length: 30 minutes
Price: $50

Get a jump on learning before your trip to Odiorne Point State Park and Seacoast Science Center. Our naturalist will connect, live, to your classroom and orient and excite students about their upcoming trip. Students will be introduced to the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and rocky shore habitat, and get a sneak peek at the Center’s exhibits, aquariums, and outdoor tide pools. You will also learn how to best prepare, including how to dress for exploring the tide pools and what to expect when you arrive. All you need is a camera, speakers and an internet connection.

Rocky Shore Survey Methods Add-on Program

Outdoor Program
Length: 30 minutes
Price: $50

This Rocky Shore Exploration add-on program
introduces students to methods of data collection in
the field. Your group will learn about the different tools
that scientists use and participate in a field survey activity.

The Changing Ocean

Indoor Program
Length: 1 hour
Price: $195

The ocean is constantly changing. In this program, students will learn about what is causing these changes, how scientists observe these shifts, and use actual data sets to predict trends. Students will learn how increased atmospheric CO2 emissions are altering the seawater carbonate system and decreasing the pH of the ocean’s surface waters. Students will gain an understanding of why the Gulf of Maine is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and of how it is constantly changing due to temperature, salinity, and human impacts. In addition, students will explore the links between changing ocean chemistry and human activity, and consider how the health of the ocean affects human health.

Marine Animals Magnified

Indoor Program
Length: 1 hour
Price: $225

In this program, students will learn about the microorganisms that live hidden amongst the rocks in the tide pools just outside our doors. Using magnifiers and microscopes, students will observe these animals and explore a fascinating world that cannot be seen with the naked eye. They will gain an understanding of how anatomy, structure, and function have evolved to help the animals survive on the rocky shore.

Virtual Field Trips

Length: 1 hour Price: $150

We can deliver programs right to your classroom no matter where you are located simply by connecting via computer! Learn all about the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and its fascinating inhabitants. All you need is a camera, speakers and an internet connection.

Programs include:

North American Lobster

Coastal Critters

Marine Careers

Outreach Programs

All ages

Let the Seacoast Science Center come to you!

We can deliver innovative, content-rich programs right to your classroom! We can travel to you or connect to your students via computer. Outreach program options include A Whale of a Program, Coastal Critters, Save a Seal, and many more. We can also work with you to custom-design a program to suit your specific curriculum goals and classroom or group needs.

Cost depends on program length and mileage.

Explore on Your Own

All ages

If you would like to bring your class or group to Odiorne Point State Park without including a naturalist-led program with the Seacoast Science Center, you must register as an Explorer Group. You can include a visit to the Center by scheduling an Exhibit Hall time.